At Salamonie Lake, two trails differ considerably in length and difficulty: the 13-mile Bloodroot Trail is designated for hiking and biking and rated moderate. The 5.5-mile Kin-Ti-On-Ki Bike Trail is designated for beginners. This gives you the choice between a longer trail for two activities and a shorter, beginner-friendly bike route.
Nature Trails and Landscapes
A winding trail in Salamonie River State Forest passes through several ravines. At various points, it offers views of the Salamonie River as well as rocky ravines and waterfalls. The forest area's origins are also connected to the landscape: Salamonie River State Forest was established as a demonstration forest along the river to restore eroded land.
History Between the Miami, the River, and the Canal
At the Huntington County History and Education Center, visitors can explore the county's history from prehistoric times and the era of the Miami and French voyageurs through the canal era and pioneer settlement to the present day. This span of time helps put the region's different chapters in context. Historic Forks of the Wabash commemorates the Miami settlement, trade and lumbermen, as well as the craftspeople and workers involved in building the canal.
Three Miami villages were located at the Forks of the Wabash; chiefs Richardville and LaFontaine once lived there. Jean Baptiste Richardville (Pe-she-wah), 1761–1841, made the Forks his principal residence. Kiilhsoohkwa was born in 1810 in what is now Huntington County and was a granddaughter of Miami chief Little Turtle. For many years, she preserved a flag reportedly presented to her other grandfather, shimaakanehsia, at the 1795 Treaty of Greenville. The flag is considered a rare artifact of significance to American history and Miami tradition.
The site of the Indian School is another connection to Miami history. The historic marker there is no longer in place. The school was founded in 1804 by Philip Dennis for the Society of Friends, at the request of chiefs Little Turtle and Five Medals. It was the first agricultural school for Indigenous peoples in the West.
Historic Sites in Huntington
The “The Lime City” marker is located in Sunken Gardens Park at the intersection of W. Park Drive and Diamond Street in Huntington. It recalls the nickname “Lime City”: Huntington was given this name because of its numerous limestone quarries and lime kilns. The Sunken Gardens and Shakespeare Gardens were dedicated to Huntington in 1924. From 1964 to 1967, the city carried out a plan to restore the gardens.
The waterways also left a precise historical geography. The Forks of the Wabash was the western terminus of the Maumee-Wabash portage and, in 1835, the western terminus of the first section of the Wabash and Erie Canal. Wabash & Erie Canal Lock 4 was the first lock west of the summit level and is known as Dickey Lock. The former Huntington Landing began 120 feet west on Washington Street and continued to the lock on Cherry Street. The first covered bridge over the river was built at a historic ford across the Little River; it was accepted as complete in December 1843.
Further stages of development can be traced through the history of settlement: Drover Town was the first settlement expansion south of the Little River and was platted by Henry Drover on August 22, 1857. Together with the canal and river stations, this site traces how settlements developed along the waterways.
Regional Cuisine and Offerings
Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington County is described as the birthplace of Indiana’s popular hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. Rustic River Outfitters offers canoeing and kayaking, as well as wine, craft beer, spirits, ice cream, and food. Check the availability of these offerings before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Markle, Wells County, Lawrence, Clark, Newton County, Miami County, Noble County, Steuben County.
For the main travel overview: Indiana.
